Assignment description directly from the course syllabus:
A paper on your Philosophy of Teaching (25% of final grade)
In 6-8 double-spaced pages, articulate your personal philosophy of special education teaching, describing what it means to become a thoughtful and responsive educator. In the paper, explain how your personal and professional experiences have helped shape your philosophy of teaching. Using references from required and recommended course readings to connect your beliefs and teaching practices to the models, theories, and teaching practices that form the basis for successful teaching in special education settings.
Citations from at least 3 sources are expected (not including the course textbook–see important note below).
Your paper should address the following questions:
1. What are the characteristics of effective instruction?
o How does learning take place, particularly for students with diverse
learning needs?
o How is effective instruction related to student’s prior learning,
experiences, and needs?
o What habits, attitudes, or methods mark your most successful teaching
achievements?
o How can you align IEP goals, lesson objectives and learning tasks?
2. Describe the code of ethics that guides you.
o Describe the values you impart to your students?
o What is the relationship between teaching, schooling and social justice?
3. What type of student/teacher relationship do you strive to achieve?
4. How does reflection impact instruction?
IMPORTANT NOTE TO WRITER:
Course textbook referenced in assignment description must be rented on Amazon as an e-book (Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special Education,14th Edition). Your PC or Mac must have the Kindle app in order to view it. I cannot purchase from my account as I will not be able to share it with you. It is $29.99. Please contact me to arrange payment for this. This is one of the four references that MUST be used. The other three references can be any reputable educational sources. Thank you!